Congressional Medal of Honor Society
Stories of Sacrifice
World War II - U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
Franklin Earl Sigler
Details
- Rank: Private (Highest Rank: Private First Class)
- Conflict/Era: World War II
- Unit/Command:
2d Squad, 3d Platoon, Company F, 2d Battalion, 26th Marines,
5th Marine Division - Military Service Branch: U.S. Marine Corps Reserve
- Medal of Honor Action Date: March 14, 1945
- Medal of Honor Action Place: Iwo Jima, Volcano Islands
Citation
For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving with the 2d Battalion, 26th Marines, 5th Marine Division, in action against enemy Japanese forces during the seizure of Iwo Jima in the Volcano Islands on 14 March 1945. Voluntarily taking command of his rifle squad when the leader became a casualty, Pvt. Sigler fearlessly led a bold charge against an enemy gun installation which had held up the advance of his company for several days and, reaching the position in advance of the others, assailed the emplacement with hand grenades and personally annihilated the entire crew. As additional Japanese troops opened fire from concealed tunnels and caves above, he quickly scaled the rocks leading to the attacking guns, surprised the enemy with a furious one-man assault and, although severely wounded in the encounter, deliberately crawled back to his squad position where he steadfastly refused evacuation, persistently directing heavy machine-gun and rocket barrages on the Japanese cave entrances. Undaunted by the merciless rain of hostile fire during the intensified action, he gallantly disregarded his own painful wounds to aid casualties, carrying three wounded squad members to safety behind the lines and returning to continue the battle with renewed determination until ordered to retire for medical treatment. Stouthearted and indomitable in the face of extreme peril, Pvt. Sigler, by his alert initiative, unfaltering leadership, and daring tactics in a critical situation, effected the release of his besieged company from enemy fire and contributed essentially to its further advance against a savagely fighting enemy. His superb valor, resolute fortitude, and heroic spirit of self-sacrifice throughout reflect the highest credit upon Pvt. Sigler and the U.S. Naval Service.
Additional Details
- Accredited to: Little Falls, Passaic County, New Jersey
- Awarded Posthumously: No
- Presentation Date & Details: October 5, 1945
The White House, presented by Pres. Harry S. Truman - Born: November 6, 1924, Glen Ridge, Essex County, NJ, United States
- Died: January 20, 1995, Newton, NJ, United States
- Buried: Arlington National Cemetery (MH) (12-2799), Arlington, VA, United States